H-ton Vies in Stony Brook Protein Modeling Challenge
A team of Huntington High School science research program students competed in this year’s Stony Brook University protein-modeling challenge. Although the group didn’t finish in the top three of a strong field, they did turn in an impressive performance.
The competition consisted of three stages: An original pre-build model of the ABO blood typing glycosyltransferases protein with a creative display and an essay; an on-site group exam on proteins with a focus on the ABO blood typing glycosyltransferases protein and a 3D modeling build using the JMOL computer software.
Huntington’s participants included Emily Shutman, Scott Venturino and Sabrina Palacios. Team alternate Nina Cartwright assisted in the pre-build in the run-up to the contest.
“The team worked extremely hard preparing for the competition and represented Huntington High School with great pride,” said teacher Lori Kenny, who heads the school’s science research program. “Although we did not receive any of the top three awards, the team displayed their knowledge with great command and enthusiasm. The team makes me proud to be their mentor.”
The Stony Brook challenge draws high school students from across Long Island. “This hands-on competition will test the students’ building prowess and background knowledge,” according to a description on the Stony Brook University website. “The students must be eager and able to learn a little biochemistry, biology and physiology.”
The protein modeling challenge “is the result of a productive collaboration among the science education faculty and research faculty at Stony Brook University, research scientists from Astellas Pharma US and enthusiastic teachers from the participating school districts,” states the university’s website.
“When we started the Stony Brook University Protein Challenge we hoped to educate students and teachers about the cool stuff proteins do,” organizers said. “We have been very pleased that this has succeeded to the extent that nine schools have gone on to develop extracurricular programs in protein modeling. We are most pleased to see the excitement and sharing that this program has fostered among high school students, graduate students, teachers and scientists.”